Grand National-winning trainer Donald McCain believes horses have been the forgotten factor in the decision to put back the start of the world’s greatest steeplechase to 5.15pm.

ANDY STEWART is trusting in his partnership with Paul Barber to turn his luck for the better when Aiteen Thirtythree lines up for the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury today.

PAUL NICHOLLS’ gut instinct is that Denman will do no better than finish fourth or fifth under top weight in Saturday’s Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury – a race in which fellow pacesetter Carruthers has been declared a non-runner.

The 100/1 outsider Mon Mome, trained by Venetia Williams and ridden by Liam Treadwell, has won today's Grand National at Aintree by several lengths.

Denman and Kauto Star feature among 28 horses left in the £475,000 (€527,000) totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup at the latest forfeit stage.

Joint-top weight Ornais was one of just four horses removed from Saturday’s Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at the final declaration stage.

Paul Nicholls believes the track will suit Kauto Star down to the ground when he tackles the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup on the final day of the Festival tomorrow.

Best Mate’s connections received a timely boost before his imminent reappearance as stablemate Impek gained a deserved success in the Bonusprint.com Old Roan Chase at Aintree.